§ Dr. KumarTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the effect of climate change levy, after rebates, on the manufacturing sector in(a the United Kingdom and (b) Teesside; and if he will make a statement. [139797]
§ Ms HewittThe climate change levy has been designed with safeguarding the competitiveness of manufacturing industries in all parts of the United Kingdom in mind. The final impact of the levy on individual businesses will depend on the extent to which they take advantage of the various exemptions, whether they take advantage of the new scheme of enhanced capital allowances for energy efficiency, and whether they are eligible for the 80 per cent. discount offered to energy-intensive industries that enter into emission reduction agreements.